several allusions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several allusions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple references or indirect mentions of something, often in literature or speech. Example: "The novel is rich with several allusions to classical mythology, enhancing its themes and depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Mr. Green made several allusions to David N.

The New York Times

In the Old Testament there are several allusions to a primordial combat between God and a monstrous adversary variously named Leviathan or Rahab.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are several allusions to the events of the movie in the pilot and it doesn't do a great job of recapping the action to make that entirely clear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is a place of many pasts, with its ruins and its dead (there are several allusions to the war, and to the 1919 Paris peace conference), but also of multiple presents.

The Guardian - Books

One character accuses him of "going into politics so as not to go to jail" and there are several allusions to the most sensitive aspect of the prime minister's early career the still-mysterious source of his initial capital.Three different people (including Mr Moretti himself, and the theatre actor-manager Elio De Capetani, pictured) play the part of Mr Berlusconi.

The Economist

He did not directly address his intentions here Saturday, but he made several allusions about the country needing new leadership and said at one point in his 35-minute speech, "We're going to cut some new ground over the next year or so".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The fourth is Hitchcock's Psycho to which there are several direct allusions.

The Guardian - Film

Roman history is less replete with references to eclipses than that of Greece, but there are several interesting allusions to these events in Roman writings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Apple CEO Tim Cook has made several pointed allusions to the rival company in recent days, telling journalists that unlike other companies, the iPhone-maker was only interesting in selling hardware – not collecting personal data.

Independent

There is something like a confessional urge at work here, as there was in "Everyman," and the reference to Strauss is one of several explicit allusions to late work and dying artists (Eliot's "Little Gidding," George Plimpton's sudden death, Keats's last letter).

The New Yorker

There are several apparent allusions to Ambler's book in the film (including one by Ambler's friend, Carol Reed, to prewar Istanbul in the film's stage-setting introduction), and Greene includes a chapter from The Mask of Dimitrios in his anthology, The Spies Bedside Book.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several allusions", ensure the context provides enough information for the audience to recognize the references. Clarity is key, even with indirect suggestions.

Common error

Avoid using "several allusions" when the references are so obscure that they become meaningless. Ensure that at least some readers can grasp the connection to the original source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several allusions" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and refers to multiple instances of indirect references or hints. It often enhances the meaning and depth of a text or speech.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several allusions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate multiple indirect references within a text or speech. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate in neutral contexts and often enriches the content by adding layers of meaning. It's important to ensure that the allusions are clear enough for the intended audience to recognize them. Common contexts include News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias. Alternatives like "numerous references" or "multiple hints" can be used for variety, but "several allusions" effectively communicates the presence of multiple indirect references.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many indirect references

Explicitly states the presence of numerous references that are not direct.

numerous references

Emphasizes the quantity of references made, rather than their indirect nature.

several indirect suggestions

Highlights the number of indirect suggestions.

multiple hints

Highlights the suggestive quality of the references, implying a subtle indication.

various veiled references

Suggests the references are hidden or disguised.

various intimations

Suggests a more delicate and subtle form of indication, often implying something sensitive or private.

a number of subtle cues

Highlights the subtlety and indicative nature of the hints.

frequent mentions

Focuses on the act of mentioning something repeatedly, without necessarily implying indirectness.

repeated suggestions

Emphasizes the recurrence of the suggestions, indicating a persistent and consistent hinting.

plentiful implications

Focuses on the many underlying meanings or suggestions.

FAQs

How can I use "several allusions" in a sentence?

You can use "several allusions" to describe texts, speeches, or artworks that contain multiple indirect references. For example, "The play is rich with several allusions to Greek mythology".

What are some alternatives to "several allusions"?

You can use alternatives like "numerous references", "multiple hints", or "many indirect references" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "several allusions" or "a few allusions"?

"Several allusions" suggests more than a couple, implying a noticeable amount of indirect references. "A few allusions" indicates a smaller, less significant number.

What's the difference between an allusion and a reference?

An allusion is an indirect reference, relying on the audience's familiarity with the source. A reference can be direct and explicit, without needing interpretation.